The project will enable stronger connections for Cleveland’s Central neighborhood

Media Contacts: 
Kelly Woodard, Director of Communications, 216-250-6146, klwoodard@cuyahogacounty.gov
Jennifer Ciaccia, Press Secretary, 216-250-5863, jciaccia@cuyahogacounty.gov

CUYAHOGA COUNTY, OH – Cuyahoga County is moving forward with plans to demolish the long-vacant former Juvenile Justice Center, overlooking the Innerbelt Freeway at East 22nd Street in Cleveland.

Next week, County leadership will request approval to accept a $6.8 million grant from the Ohio Department of Development Brownfield Mitigation Program to abate and demolish the building. Pending County Council approval, the demolition project will pave the way for future redevelopment.

“The demolition of the former Juvenile Justice Center is a first step towards transforming a vacant, obsolete property into a redevelopment opportunity that benefits our residents,” said Cuyahoga County Executive Chris Ronayne. “This project will remove a barrier separating the Central neighborhood from downtown and foster better connections and opportunities for investment.”

The former building’s unique architectural elements, such as the painted ceramic tiles, were preserved and stored in the County archives. The County will assess the salvaged items to explore potential opportunities for future reuse.

The demolition will also allow the Ohio Department of Transportation (ODOT) to replace the East 22^nd Street Bridge over the Innerbelt with an enhanced bridge deck with public art celebrating local history, pathways for pedestrians and cyclists, and green space. Additionally, a major development project in the area includes a new $28 million behavioral health crisis receiving center on the former St. Vincent Charity Medical Center campus.

“In partnership with the City of Cleveland, County Planning has convened area stakeholders to coordinate efforts and plans that will revitalize the fabric of this neighborhood,” said Mary Cierebiej, Cuyahoga County Planning Commission Executive Director. “When we work together, rebuilding together will yield great success.”

Ultimately, the highway and bridge project will reconnect Cleveland’s downtown and Central neighborhoods.

“For years, the building has been a nuisance. People living around the facility have to look out their windows and see this eyesore,” remarks Cleveland City Councilman Richard Starr (Ward 5). “I welcome the opportunity to bring life, new development opportunities, and motivation for the residents in and around Central and the Campus District.”

The Cuyahoga Land Bank organized efforts to secure the brownfield grant. “Our partnership with Cuyahoga County in securing the funding for this demolition is a crucial piece of our shared vision to revitalize and redevelop underutilized spaces,” said Ricardo Leon, President and CEO of the Cuyahoga Land Bank. “We look forward to collaborating with Cuyahoga County and the City of Cleveland to bring this vision to life.”

“Our partnership with the Cuyahoga Land Bank, the City of Cleveland, and ODOT has made this long-awaited project a reality. By working together, we are not only removing a long-vacant building but also creating new opportunities for development that will benefit the community for years to come,” adds Debbie Berry, Cuyahoga County Deputy Chief of Integrated Development.

The demolition work is expected to take 18 months to complete.